New Westminster, BC – The City of New Westminster is pleased to announce that the Q to Q ferry will be returning to New Westminster. Building on the success of the 2017 demonstration ferry service, the Q to Q pilot ferry service will run from May 19 to October 28, 2018. The service will operate seven days a week between the Quayside and Queensborough neighbourhoods. Hours of operation will be Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 8:00 pm; Friday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm; and weekends and statutory holidays, 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

“The 2018 Q to Q pilot ferry project gives us an opportunity to test the viability of providing a regular ferry service between Queensborough and downtown New Westminster,” said Mayor Jonathan Coté. “Providing a reliable and frequent connection seven days a week for commuters, shoppers, and those seeking access to transit services, recreational, and cultural opportunities is a priority for our growing city.”

The service will depart from a dock below the Inn at the Quay to the Port Royal public dock in Queensborough and crossing time will be approximately five minutes. Two 12-passenger vessels will be used for ferry operations and sailing frequency during peak periods will be at least every 15 minutes from each ferry dock. Peak travel times will be approximately 7:00 am to 9:00 am and 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, and 11:10 am to 6:00 pm on weekends. During all other times, one 12-passenger vessel will be used at 30-minute frequency.

Efforts to improve accessibility for users of all ages and mobility have been made to this year’s ferry service. The ferry vessels are outfitted to allow equitable access for all users including those with mobility aids. The ferry vessels are equipped with gently sloping ramps to allow wheeled mobility aids free access, and tie downs for wheelchairs to ensure passenger safety. The ferry operator will aid passengers upon request. Information about gangway slopes will be provided on the Q to Q website and ferry terminals at least one week in advance so passengers are able to plan trips based on optimal slopes to access the docks independently and safely.

The ferry service will be operated by Bowen Land and Sea Taxi who will deploy 12-passenger water taxis capable of carrying two wheelchairs and four bicycles per trip. Both individual and monthly passes will be available. Individual tickets are $2 for full fare, and $1 for concession, and monthly passes are $40 for full fare, and $20 for concession. Children aged five and under are free. Three City facilities, including Queensborough Community Centre, City Hall and Centennial Community Centre, and three River Market vendors will sell tickets and passes and all forms of payment will be accepted at these locations. Passengers can also purchase tickets on board using exact change.

The Q to Q pilot ferry service, made possible in part through a sponsorship from Aragon Properties, provides a convenient connection from the growing residential community in Queensborough to downtown New Westminster from where passengers can access the River Market, Westminster Pier Park, Anvil Centre, SkyTrain and other transit services. Residents and visitors will also benefit from enhanced access to Queensborough’s businesses and scenic riverfront trails.

“When Queensborough was an industrial neighbourhood, connections were primarily for the movement of goods, and now that it is a thriving residential community, connections are important for the movement of people,” said Aragon President Lenny Moy. “Thinking ahead, Aragon built a ferry dock to link our community of Port Royal-Queensborough with New Westminster’s downtown core, giving residents easy access to diverse amenities and transit options. We are excited to support the City of New Westminster in seeing this ferry service come to fruition.”